August 12, 2010

Somewhere along the line, someone decided that "spam" was synonymous with being a bad thing--after all, no one likes hundreds of junk messages clogging up her inbox.

Long before the word began being used to refer to unwanted email, it was the name of a packed pork product from Hormel. (Do you know the origin of the name? I didn't, but apparently, it's an abbreviated form of spiced ham!)Also predating the negative connotation was a skit by Monty Python that will make even the grumpiest grouch guffaw.

Another thing that ought to perk you up is the prospect of winning $1000. All you have to do is spice up one of your tried and true dishes with SPAM products. The theme varies, but right now it's PASTA. Upload your unique pasta and SPAM recipe to the Recipe Exchange and get your family and friends rate it. At the end of the challenge, the top 10 rated recipes will be judged by a panel of SPAM Team experts. One grand prize winner will be chosen to receive $1,000! Interested? Here are the official rules.

Come on, folks--give SPAM a chance! Monty Python did it, and so did I. Even though it's approximately 1000 degrees outside, this hot dish was tasty and satisfying.

Heat the oil in a medium pan over high heat. Add the diced SPAM and onions and fry until browned. Dump into a 2-quart casserole dish and add the beans. Stir to combine and bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

Disclaimer: To participate in the SPAM: Dish This! program, I was provided with complimentary samples of SPAM product and merchandise, valued at approximately $35. Hormel Foods did not tell me what type of creations I should make nor did they require me to use any specific ingredients. My statements reflect my honest and truthful opinions and actual experience.

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comments:

I think the name doesn't do it much justice. When I was growing up, we had a very similar product called luncheon meat. My mum would slice it thinly, fry it up and serve it to us on buttered white bread, with a dollop of tomato sauce on top. Always made my day :)

Oh Gosh, My dad used to make spam sandwiches. I was always worried that if we went into bunker mode over the next civil war we would only have spam to eat. Dont think ill be cracking open a can of that anytime soon but love that you are tryin' it girl!

Interesting, I actually had no idea where the name Spam came from! I remember eating it as a kid and not having strong feelings on Spam one way or the other -- now I don't eat ham anymore though. Too bad, I would have definitely participated in the contest...sounds like fun!

those beans look delicious! I have a serious weakness for <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2008/04/tutorial-how-to-make-hawaiian-spam-musubi-sushi.html>spam musubi</a> but one almost as bad as pork 'n beans...

Eww...I had to buy some for my mother-in-law last week. It is now sitting in the fridge all congealed and icky. I'm sure this is what separates me from a "true" Minnesotan...I prefer cheese curds to spam curds.

I simply love Spam, I am thrilled with all of the new flavors we can get now. My favorite is the Bacon, slice it and layer into a baking dish then cover with a sauce of ketchup and brown sugar. Bake it until bubbly and gooey.

I didn't grow up with Spam either - pretty much my entire awareness of it in my youht stemmed from the fabulous Monty Python song! But we did have something called polony growing up - neon pink, spongy textured, probably mechanically recovered... and totalyl irresistable to be as a kid!

This pregnancy I have been craving Spam, which is so odd because I normally don't like it. I think it must be the saltiness. Adding it to baked beans just ups the comfort level. Thanks for contributing to my pregnancy cravings! My husband will loathe you. :)

I was once terrified of SPAM, until my husbands family got me to try these little appetizers they make called "spam things" (yeah I know, real appetizing name, huh?) but they are SO good! Everybody should def. give it a try!